Power Tillers
Earthworms 
are every gardener's friend. They aerate the soil as they tunnel through it, breaking it up as they go, making it easier for plant roots to penetrate. Yup, earthworms sure are great. But they're slow. It can take a while if they're starting on a new patch of land. Sometimes, you need to get the dirt broken up in a hurry. This is where power tillers come in.
Power tillers are used for breaking up the soil. They improve conditions for new plantings, develop gardens, weed, and reseed lawn patches. A power tiller takes the toil out of large or difficult projects. Below you will see the three main types of power tillers available. Choosing between them generally depends on the size of the area you wish to till and the type of soil in your area.
Reviews of power tillers are hard to come by, so we don't have any recommended models listed here. You can check Amazon for user reviews; no single tiller stands out but you can at least gauge what other people are saying about various models.
Important Features
- CRT or SRT -- These are two terms you will see on rear-tine tillers only.
- Engine Options -- Tillers come in four- and two-stroke models.
- Get a four-stroke engine if you can.
- Easier to start up than two-stroke models.
- Require less maintenance and are more convenient because they don't require any mixing of fuel and oil.
- Produce less exhaust.
- The more horsepower, the more powerful your tiller will be.
- Rear-tine tillers generally have more horsepower than any other kind.
- You'll appreciate that horsepower when you have hard soil to till.
- Easy carry handle and big wheels. Makes transporting and moving the tiller easier.
- Weight may be a concern, especially for women and people with bad backs. Cultivators will naturally weigh less and be easier to move around, although even the lightest of models still weigh in at around 30-40 lbs.
- Tine shape. The tine shape affects how the tiller moves through the soil.
- Bolo tines are the standard tines that come with the machine.
- Broad, heavy-duty.
- Designed to dig and mulch with a minimum of clogging.
- Pick and chisel tines are slightly curved and of medium length.
- Used to break up hard, rocky ground.
- Can clog easily in vegetation.
- Slasher tines are short and sharp.
- Designed to cut into vegetation and soft ground.
- Need to be sharp to work well.
- Long drag stake. This helps keep the tiller from moving too fast.
- Gas vs. Electric
- Some smaller models are electric.
- Limited range based on length of extension cord.
- Electric doesn't have the same amount of power as a gas-powered motor.
- Most of the larger models are gas-powered.
- Gas-powered machines are more powerful.
- Keep in mind that gas-powered machines require more maintenance, including refueling, engine fluid changes and refills, and winterizing in cold climates.
- Safety
- As with any garden equipment, especially gas-powered, you should make sure you have adequate protective gear.
- Safety goggles, work gloves and earplugs are all necessities.
- Wear sturdy, steel-toed boots if you have them; if not, wear your most durable close-toed footwear.
- If you plan to be out in the sun for a long time, don't forget a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen too!
Major Manufacturers
Related Products
External Links
- Lowe's -- a helpful, straightforward guide about how to decide what kind of tiller you need.
- GardenAdvice -- a longer guide with additional info about safe tiller use.
